Canadian elite curler Megan Smith shares her expertise and passion to help you better understand what's involved in playing the sport of curling's newest and fast-growing disipline of mixed doubles curling.

By sharing the ins and outs of the game as well as the unique demands involved, Megan is confident she will inspire you to give it a go and get involved in mixed doubles curling.

 

(Photo by: Robert Wilson)

 

What is mixed doubles curling? 

Mixed doubles curling is a fast-paced and dynamic version of curling that puts a unique spin on the game. Instead of teams of four, mixed doubles is played with two athletes, one male and one female, and with each player heavily involved in all aspects of play.

With only two players, both athletes are responsible for throwing, sweeping, and making strategic decisions throughout the game. Each team throws five rocks per end with one player delivering the first and last stones while the other player throws the middle three. 

 

 

How are the pre-positioned stones set up? 

There are two pre-placed stones at the start of every end and one for each team. This pre-positioning of rocks immediately creates more action and forces teams to think strategically from the very first shot.

Each team has the option to use a “power play” once per game where they can reposition those pre-placed stones to the side of the sheet instead of the center. This creates a high-risk, high-reward scoring opportunity that often leads to bigger ends and more aggressive play.

 

Traditional end prepositioned stones - red has hammer.

 

Power play end prepositioned stones - red has hammer.

 

What are the basic rules of mixed doubles?

Mixed doubles follows many of the same rules as traditional curling but with a few key differences. The first key difference is the modified free guard zone rule. Specificly, teams cannot remove any stones from play - including the two pre-positioned stones - until the fourth delivered stone of an end. This encourages more offensive play and keeps more stones in play early.

Another key distinction is that there are no blank ends in mixed doubles. If a team does not score, they give up hammer which means the last rock advantage transfers to the opposing team in the next end.

 

(Photo by: Robert Wilson)

 

How does mixed doubles differ from traditional 4-person curling?

Compared to traditional four-person curling, mixed doubles is faster and often more physically demanding. With only two players, there is very little downtime. Athletes are constantly transitioning between throwing and sweeping and in some situations may even sweep their own stones to maximize performance. Every shot carries more weight and there is less room for error which adds both physical and mental pressure throughout the game.

Overall, mixed doubles often involves a more aggressive and fast-moving style of play yet still maintains the strategy and precision that makes curling so unique. It challenges athletes to think quickly, communicate effectively, and stay engaged from the first shot to the last. Qualities that are a big part of what makes the discipline so exciting to play and watch.

 

 

How do you decide the roles of each player?

Roles in mixed doubles really depend on the strengths and preferences of each player. Sweeping ability, confidence in line calling and comfort with strategy all factor into how teams establish their roles. Some teams choose to have both players sweep each other’s stones with no one consistently holding the broom. 

Other teams lean toward a more defined setup with one player in the house calling line and managing strategy. There is no single right approach as every athlete brings different strengths and every team develops its own systems to communicate and execute effectively.

What makes someone a good mixed doubles player?

A strong mixed doubles player is someone who is adaptable, physically fit, and mentally resilient. With only two players, you are fully involved in every shot.

The ability to quickly shift between roles and adjust to changing situations is essential. Physical fitness is important for sweeping and maintaining energy throughout the game. Resilience allows players to stay composed and rebound from missed shots or giving up big ends.

Ultimately, the best mixed doubles players are those who can remain flexible, communicate clearly and handle the pressure of being engaged in every moment of the game.

 

 

Give It A Go

Whether you’re new to curling or an experienced player, I highly recommend giving mixed doubles a try. It’s a discipline that will challenge your resilience and skillset in new ways while also encouraging you to see the game through a different lens.

Visit your local curling club to explore what programs and leagues are available in your area. You can also check in with your particular provincial curling association for information on clinics, development opportunities, bonspiels and mixed doubles events happening near you.

Whether your goal is to compete or simply have fun and try something new, mixed doubles is a great way to continue growing your love for the sport.

 

 

Relevant Links & Resources: 

Association of Curling Professionals - https://curlingpro.ca/

Curling Canada MD Resource - https://www.curling.ca/get-involved/mixed-doubles/

Amethyst Curling Camp & Trillium Curling Camp - https://curlingontario.ca/courses/camps/

Oakville Youth Day Camp - https://oakvillecurlingclub.com/index.php/youth-curling-camp

Mixed Doubles Super Series - https://www.youtube.com/@MixedDoublesSuperSeries

 

 

Get To Know Megan Smith

As a competitive curler from Kitchener, Ontario, the sport of curling has taken me across Canada from coast to coast. Curling has provided me with numerous opportunities to compete at the highest levels of the sport including events such as the Canadian Junior Curling Championships, the U Sports University Curling Championships, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, and, most recently, the 2025 Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship.

Over the past three seasons, I’ve developed a deep passion for the mixed doubles discipline of curling. What began as an opportunity to try something new has quickly become an integral part of my curling journey and I’m excited to continue to grow within the discipline for years to come.

Alongside competing, I have worked as a Mixed Doubles Academy Team Coach with Curling Ontario. This role has allowed me to share my passion and help inspire the next generation of athletes. With each experience I’ve had in curling - both as a player and as a coach - I continue to strengthen my appreciation for the sport and for the opportunities it has provided me.

I’ve also had the privilege of coaching at summer camps across the province including at the Amethyst Curling Camp (North Bay Granite Club), the Trillium Curling Camp (Kitchener-Waterloo Granite Club), and the Oakville Youth Curling Camp (Oakville Curling Club). I continue to further my professional development through the Association of Curling Professionals and I am currently completing the Head Teaching Pro training with Curling Canada.

 

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Head to the SWSCD Athlete Advisor, your online athletic business directory. Find, rate and review programs, local community offerings and businesses that will help you do your thing.  

Start a group around a physical activity in your neighbourhood. Explore events. Check out our SWSCD Hub.

Look for advice, stories, news and more on our Curling activity page.  

Have a sport, recreation or physical activity accomplishment you'd like to celebrate and shout out through SWSCD?  Become a SWSCD member and share your story directly on SeeWhatSheCanDo. Or, simply add the hashtag #seewhatshecando to your public social media posts and SWSCD can help you inspire others around you.